Deliciously Local Gifts for Foodies

Article and photos by Craig Chapman

We all have that one friend or family member these days that is obsessed with food. Food, food, food… all day long they talk about cooking it, eating it, and sharing it. So what do you get for the food obsessed who seem to know and have it all when it comes to food related products? We have a few suggestions to make their taste buds soar, open up their creative culinary minds a bit more, rest and relax after a rough day in the kitchen, and a few sweet somethings that they can simply just simply appreciate.

Best of all, these gifts are all made and produced right here in Brevard County Florida by passionate, small business owners. You can’t get more local than that! The best gift of all is to pick them all up and give them to the Foodie in your life in a nice gift basket. Tell them Craig from SpaceCoast Living sent you!

*in alphabetical order

Absolutely Natural (Melbourne)

Variety of 100 percent natural personal care products with fruit

You might not think about personal care products when you think of “Foodies” but we sure do. After a long day in the kitchen a hot shower and some incredible lotion are just what a cook needs to wash away the day. We love Absolutely Natural’s Papaya Pineapple line of products (there’s fruit in there!) that are locally made, 100 percent natural and chemical free, use minimally processed raw materials, are produced in small batches, are vegan friendly and never tested on animals, are gentle on the environment, and non-toxic and safe. Ahhhhhh!

(321) 728-7191

info@absolutely-natural.com

604 Atlantis Rd., Melbourne, FL 32904

absolutely-natural.com

Common Stone Pottery (Downtown Melbourne)

Mug and Tea Bag Holder

The passion and love that Deborah, owner of Common Stone Pottery, puts in to her work is apparent visually and functionally in all of her dishware. They are heavy duty, life-long pieces of art that keep a nice cup of tea hot from start to finish. The best way to start any foodies collection is with one of Deborah’s mugs and a tea bag holder. We’ve been using ours for years!

(321) 956-6930

deborahjspeer@gmail.com

814 E. Strawbridge Ave. Suite 4, Melbourne, FL 32901

commonstonepottery.com

Florida Fields to Forks (Malabar)

Gift Membership

Joining a CSA (community supported agriculture) group is the first step to buying ultra local, beyond organic, and super fresh foods. Luckily for us in Brevard County we have Florida Fields to Forks, “We provide our members with local, nutritionally rich, beyond organic farm fresh foods.” A gift membership to a CSA will excite any food enthusiast in your life. Gifts certificates are available on the Florida Fields to Forks website.

(321) 431-7259

floridafieldstoforks@gmail.com

1200 Corey Rd., Malabar, FL 32950

floridafieldstoforks.com

Intracoastal Brewing Company (Downtown Eau Gallie)

Growler full of beer in a variety of flavor profiles

Giving the gift of locally made beer is perhaps top on most foodies “must have” list and leaving Intracoastal off this list would be a great disservice to foodies everywhere. Donald, the Brewmaster puts it perfectly saying, “People are becoming more aware about ‘hey where was my beer made, how was it made?’ so (our beer) it’s absolutely the freshest beer you can have. It was made just last week or a couple weeks ago. So (a growler) is the perfect gift (for a food enthusiast).’

(321) 872-7395

625 West Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32935

intracoastalbrewingcompany.com

Joan’s Perfect Pie (Downtown Eau Gallie)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

We can’t resist a stop by Joan’s Perfect Pie shop anytime we are in downtown Eau Gallie. Her chocolate peanut butter pie is an edible treasure filled with peanut butter mousse and chocolate ganache then topped with peanuts and chocolate. Wow! Go ahead and get the 10”.

(321) 610-7953 *play it safe and call your order in in advanced

1478 B Highland Ave., Melbourne, FL 32935

joansperfectpie.com

Open Mike’s Coffee (Melbourne)

In-House Signature Roasted Coffees

Coffee is a must in any “foodie’s” daily routine. It kick starts the day and keeps us going throughout and just like any culinary experience, the coffee must be superb! Luckily we have Lisa at Open Mike’s to take care of that for us, “I’ve always been obsessed with having perfect coffee here. So the natural progression of getting the exact flavor for the brand that I wanted was to do it myself. So now we roast it all in-house, it’s all organic, mostly fair trade.” Strong, rich, and smooth are just three words that come to mind while savoring a cup of any of Open Mike’s signature roast coffees. Thank you Lisa!

(321) 254-5645

454 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32935

openmikes.com

Tropical Spices (Palm Bay)

Rojo Picoso Sauce

Husband and wife team Christopher and Jenny have a passion for vibrant flavors and great food. It shows in this flavorful sauce that’s packed with roasted garlic, tomato, and just enough habanero to give it a perfect kick. We loved it so much we ate it on pieces of a baguette.

A delicious piece of homemade caramel melting in your mouth is an experience like none other, especially when it’s complimented by a perfectly balanced dash of fresh sea salt. The savory and sweet combination is owner Sarah’s best seller, “I started making caramel several years ago as Christmas gifts for friends, family, and co-workers. I was born and raised right here in Brevard (Melbourne). It is home for me and the perfect place to raise my family and grow my business as well.”

Craig Chapman is the Producer of Real Food Real Kitchens, a food media brand that is all about Family, Food, Culture and History. To learn more about his TV series, magazine, and cookbook, visit realfoodrealkitchens.com.